Resources

A: Buying a house is a big decision. Make sure that you consider the following:
• Working with a professional REALTOR® who can guide you through the process and represent your interests.
• Assess the size of the home you need
• Explore loan and down payment options
• Observe the state of the neighborhood
• Check the age of appliances, mechanical systems, and roof
• Proximity to amenities, schools, and work
• Is there a Home Owners Association or similar, and what rules and fees apply
• Are there any offers on the home currently, or expected.

A: Although different states have different regulations, the process of buying a home is similar.
• Explore loan and down payment options
• Obtain a pre-approval or pre-qualification
• Decide on the location/neighborhood/s, style of home
• Select a qualified REALTOR®
• View properties with our REALTOR®
• Make an offer
• Have an inspection and appraisal
• Finalize your mortgage
• Close on your purchase (also known as Escrow/settlement, depending on your state)
At CENTURY 21 Shirley Donaldson Inc., our agents are committed to working with our buyers from start to finish and will guide you through the process.

A: Offers and counteroffers are not considered binding until they have been signed and delivered and can be rescinded. Your CENTURY 21 Shirley Donaldson Inc. agent can explain further how contingencies within the contract may lead to a contract being canceled.

A: Earnest money is a deposit made to a seller in a real estate transaction that shows good faith from the buyer.

A: A pre-approval or pre-qualification letter will strengthen an offer, especially in a competitive market. It also helps you clearly understand your budget before you start looking at homes.

A: At CENTURY 21 Shirley Donaldson Inc., our REALTOR®s are licensed professionals who work for you to negotiate and advocate for you. Most sellers will have a REALTOR® representing them, so having a REALTOR® to navigate through contracts and contingencies is important for a buyer.

A: There are several steps to selling your home.
• Hire a REALTOR® who knows the market and can do a Market Analysis of your home
• Set a timeline for selling and set your price
• Make necessary repairs or improvements and have HVAC systems cleaned and serviced. Your CENTURY 21 Shirley Donaldson, Inc. agent will advise you on how to prepare your house for sale.
• Your REALTOR® will prepare photographs and marketing materials
• Your REALTOR® will put your home on the market and advertise it as per their marketing plan
• Prepare for showings and open houses. Keep your house “show ready” at all times
• Review and negotiate offers received
• Respond to any additional documentation after inspections/tests or appraisals
• Proceed to closing once all contingencies have been satisfied
Your CENTURY 21 Shirley Donaldson Inc. agent will discuss the process with you in detail during your listing appointment and throughout the transaction.

A: Your CENTURY 21 Shirley Donaldson Inc. agent will work with you to determine a value for your home. They will do an in-depth Current Market Analysis based on previous home sales within your neighborhood. The agent will take many factors into consideration when assessing your home value. Ultimately, the value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay that is acceptable to you, the seller.

A: It is a good idea to patch any holes and cracks in your walls and ceilings and re-paint as necessary. Any obvious repairs will be visible to potential buyers. Check the HVAC systems and have these cleaned and serviced if possible. Any broken or cracked windows should be replaced, and leaky faucets should be repaired. If there is a known problem with the roof, it is worth having repairs done. Your CENTURY 21 Shirley Donaldson Inc. agent will be able to offer advice on repairs that should potentially be done prior to listing.

A: Both buyers and sellers have costs at closing. Generally, buyers pay lender’s fees, appraisal fees, inspections and testing fees, Title search fees, recording fees, Lender’s title insurance costs, and escrow deposits. The escrow deposits vary between lenders, but most will expect a few months of taxes and insurance paid at closing to have a cushion in your account. Sellers will have the REALTOR® costs, Title insurance premiums, transfer taxes and fees, prorated taxes and HOA fees, and Home Warranty costs if applicable. Your CENTURY 21 Shirley Donaldson Inc. agent can assist in calculating the costs related to buying or selling so that you have a realistic figure in mind when considering a sale
or purchase.